Listen Up! Your November Music Musts

Time to party like it's 1999: This is the month for boy bands and daring divas to take center stage. When facing blustery weather and escalating holiday stress hit, turn off your brain and turn on your iPod. (Or iPhone, or whatever MP3 player. No judgment.) The newest upbeat pop tunes are guaranteed to combat your late-fall gloom.

When you're finishing the last Halloween candy: The Wanted's "We Own The Night" from Word of Mouth, drops November 4

Some things, like poppy boy bands and sugary fun-size candy bars, are made for pure enjoyment. Don’t overthink it — just give in. It’s no secret that we love these guys — check out their SELF photo shoot, also pictured above. (Ignore the hot model in this case.) We had a blast with the band! And how could we not? They’re as sweet and addictive as a fun-sized Snickers.

Yep, Avril is back, and she’s traded her trademark skinny tie for camo in her intentionally campy new video. Even though she’s come a long way since her “Sk8er Boi” days, she still proudly declares that she refuses to grow up. Channel that spirit as you jump into that pile of leaves you just raked — because being an adult doesn’t have to mean being boring.

When you’re trying to work off that second helping of pie: M.I.A.’s “Y.A.L.A.” from Matangi, drops November 5

It’s basically impossible to sit still when you’re listening to M.I.A.’s frenetic beats, so she’s bound to help you shake off that tryptophan sleepiness and get your butt to the gym. The new single’s acronym stands for “you always live again,” basically the anti-YOLO. [Ed. note: FINALLY. – RJ] The rebellious songstress has never been afraid to forge her own path, and the catchy, creative tunes on her new album are refreshingly original.

Don’t worry, everyone has an obnoxious family member who makes dinner seem as grueling as an Ironman. (Although some SELF staffers seem to think those are a breeze!) When all else fails, just dance. Five years after Mother Monster exploded onto the pop scene, she’s just as provocative as ever. Her sound and look are still hyper-stylized, making it easy to get completely lost in the music and forget about the dinner-table drama.

When you’re hunting for Black Friday sales: One Direction’s “Best Song Ever” from Midnight Memories, drops November 25

It’s 4 am, but the drive to the mall doesn’t have to be a drag. Don’t fight the urge to sing along at the top of your lungs to the light, bubbly chorus. You don’t have to be one of the die-hard tween 1D fans to appreciate their infectious songs.

What’s your top tune for November? Share your thoughts below or tell us @SELFmagazine on Twitter.